PKU is an inherited disorder that increases the levels of a substance called Phenylalanine in the blood. Phenylalanine is a building block of proteins (an amino acids) that is obtained through the diet. it's PKU for short. It is found in all proteins and in some artificial sweeteners. If PKU is not treated, phenylalanine can build up to harmful levels in the body, causing intellectual disability and other serious health problems. condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. A special infant formula called Lofenalac is made for infants with PKU. It can be used throughout life as a protein source that is extremely low in phenylalanine and balanced for the remaining essential amino acids. with classic PKU appear normal until they are a few months old. Without treatment with a special low-phenylalanine diet, these children develop permanent intellectual disability. Seizures, delayed development, behavioral problems, and psychiatric disorders are also common. Untreated individuals may have a musty or mouse-like odor as a side effect of excess phenylalanine in the body.Children with classic PKU tend to have lighter skin and hair than unaffected family members and are also likely to have skin disorders such as eczema. PKU is a treatable disease. Treatment involves a diet that is extremely low in phenylalanine, particularly when the child is growing. Taking supplements such as fish oil to replace the long chain fatty acids missing from a standard phenylalanine-free diet may help improve neurologic development, including fine motor coordination. Other specific supplements, such as iron or carnitine, may be needed.
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=phenylketonuria
http://www.medicinenet.com/phenylketonuria/article.htm
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=phenylketonuriafile
1.) How many people got this disease PKU?
2.) how do you get this disease?
3.) How old do you have to be able to get this disease?